Glass sheet polishing assembly

ABSTRACT

A glass sheet polishing assembly includes a support assembly having a mounting assembly disposed thereon. The mounting assembly interconnects the glass sheet and the support assembly in an operative position during a polishing procedure. A carriage is movable relative to the support assembly in a first direction relative to the glass sheet. A polishing assembly is movable along a length of the carriage in a second transverse direction. A drive assembly is disposed and structured to define a movable driving relation with the polishing assembly and the carriage to define a continuous path of travel of the polishing assembly over a surface of the glass sheet and to successively move both the carriage and the positioning assembly relative to the support assembly in the first direction and continuously move the polishing assembly along said carriage in the second transverse direction.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is a Continuation patent application of andclaims priority to a previously filed, U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication, namely, that having Ser. No. 15/994,620 and a filing dateof May 31, 2018, with the contents of the prior application beingincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to a glass sheet polishing assembly includinga support assembly, which may be mobile, and a mounting assemblysecuring the glass sheet in an operative position during the polishingprocedure. A drive assembly is operatively disposed to continuously movea polishing assembly over at least a majority of an exposed surface ofthe glass sheet, along a predetermined path of travel.

Description of the Related Art

The procedure for surfacing flat glass such as glass sheets or platestypically involves power driven surfacing tools arrange to operate on atleast one surface of the glass sheet or plate. In the alternative handoperated and supported surfacing tools may be utilized. However, it islong recognized in this industry that variations in the individualsurfacing tools give rise to a lack of uniformity in the surface finishwhen considering different areas thereof relative to one another. Also,the presence of even slight variations in the glass surface affects thedegree of surfacing obtained. As a result, it is known to operate andperform the glass surface processing procedure in a way that the areasof glass which are subjected to grinding, polishing, etc. are adequatelyaddressed.

The problem of distortion in ground and polished glass plate has beenrecognized as a serious problem in this industry. To the averageindividual not familiar with surfacing procedures for glass plates itwould initially appear to be a comparatively simple matter to removedistortions or imperfections in one or both surfaces of a glass plate.In doing so, it has been known to grind and polish one surface of aglass plate or blank. Following this, the blank may be turned over andthe other or opposite side of the cool glass plate is ground flat andsubsequently polished. Theoretically, this should give a glass plate orsheet that is substantially flat and which has operative surfaces thatare effectively parallel to one another throughout their correspondingareas.

However, in actual practice commercially ground and polished plate glasstypically still may exhibit imperfections, in terms of distortions thatvary from the preferred parallel orientations of opposite surfaces ofthe glass plate. This is particularly true in the marginal portions ofthe glass plate and also to some extent results in distinct curvaturevariations. Moreover, even curvature variations which are not noticeableto the naked eye and which may be relatively small are sufficient togive an objectionable displacement or double image affect when theprocessed glass plate is utilized.

In an attempt to overcome disadvantages and problems of the type setforth above more modern-day glass processing practice involves thegrinding and polishing of glass by tools called grinders applied to thesurface of the glass plate in a predetermined or prescribed manner. Inaddition, using such processing techniques, an abrasive substance isusually interposed between the surface and the grinding or polishingmechanisms. Such techniques may also involve the use of polish or asimilar appropriate medium. Also, as a common practice, the polish isfed to the tools in the form of a suspension in liquid form sometimesresulting in an abrasive slurry.

Such known processes, techniques, etc. present several drawbacks to theglass processing procedure. Such drawbacks may include difficultiesencountered for regularly and or uniformly feeding the medium to thegrinding and polishing tools.

Therefore, there is a need in this industry for both an assembly and/orprocess for accurately and effectively applying a polishing/grindingaction to at least one surface of a glass plate or sheet in a mannerwhich recognizes and would overcome the processing difficultiesassociated with imperfections in the glass plate being processed. Suchan improved and proposed system, assembly, method, etc. should take intoconsideration processing temperatures, and/or RPM of the polishingassemblies or devices applied to the surface during the surfaceprocessing procedures as well as the size, density, configuration etc.of the polishing or grinding pads rotationally engaging the surfacebeing processed. In addition, such an improved processing assemblyshould include support and mounting structures for a glass sheet orplate which may be either fixed or mobile relative to the site orlocation where glass sheet processing is accomplished.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an assembly structured to polish aglass sheet or plate. As used herein, the term “polishing” is meant toinclude a multi-step procedure which may include, but be limited to, thecleaning, grinding and polishing of an exposed surface of a large glasssheet or plate. As such, the term polishing may include a multistagecleaning procedure followed by at least one true polishing stage.

In more specific terms, the glass polishing assembly of the presentinvention includes a support assembly structured to support the glasssheet during the “polishing” procedure. Further, a mounting assembly isconnected to the support assembly and is disposed and structured tomount the glass sheet, in a secure fashion, on the support assembly inan “operative position”.

A polishing assembly is disposed and structured to movably engage thecorresponding surface of the glass sheet during the various stages ofthe polishing procedure. In addition, a carriage, preferably having anelongated configuration, is movably connected to the support assemblyand movably positioned thereon relative to the glass sheet along a firsttravel path. The polishing assembly is movably connected to the carriageand is movable thereon, preferably along the length thereof, relative tothe glass sheet and along a second travel path.

The first and second travel paths are oriented in transverse relation toone another and collectively define a substantially continuous path oftravel of the polishing assembly relative to the surface of the glasssheet being processed. Moreover, the continuous path of travel of thepolishing assembly may also be accurately described as a continuousindexing of the polishing assembly along the continuous path of traveland more specifically along the first and second travel paths which, asset forth above, are oriented in transverse relation to one another. Asalso described in greater detail hereinafter, the processing ofsubstantially the entire exposed surface of the glass sheet isaccomplished in an at least partially automated fashion as the polishingassembly travels, in an indexing manner, along the continuous path oftravel.

However, in at least partial contrast, the polishing assembly may moveor travel in a “feathering pattern” in order to clean, grind, polish,etc. a specific, predetermined area or zone of the glass sheet, ratherthan over an entirety or majority of the exposed surface thereof.Accordingly, the “feathering pattern” refers to a “spot” polishing ofthe aforementioned predetermined area or zone. As should be apparentfrom a more detailed description hereinafter provided, a controlledmovement or travel of the polishing assembly during the “featheringpattern” is accomplished using the same structural and operativefeatures associated with the polishing assembly as it moves along theaforementioned continuous path of travel.

In order to operate the polishing assembly in the at least partiallyautomated manner while traveling along at least the continuous path oftravel, each of the preferred embodiments of the present inventioninclude a drive assembly. The drive assembly is concurrently disposed inmovable driving relation with the polishing assembly and the carriage,as indicated above. In addition, the drive assembly is operativelystructured to further define the continuous path of travel of thepolishing assembly, relative to the carriage, at least over a majorityof the exposed surface of the glass sheet being processed, concurrent tothe glass sheet being maintained in the operative position by thesupport assembly.

Moreover, the drive assembly comprises at least a first drive assemblydisposed and structured to concurrently move the carriage and thepolishing assembly relative to the support assembly, successively in anindexing fashion along the first travel path. In cooperation therewith,the drive assembly also includes a second drive assembly disposed andstructured to continuously move the polishing assembly along the lengthof the carriage as it traverses the second path of travel. In one ormore preferred embodiments, each of the first and second driveassemblies may be defined by a drive motor and additional operativecomponents associated there with.

In more specific terms, the first travel path comprises the preferablyelongated carriage, as well as the polishing assembly mounted thereon,being successively indexed in one direction, such as a long a width orlength of the glass sheet. In cooperation therewith, the aforementionedsecond travel path comprises the movement of the polishing assemblyalong the length of the carriage subsequent to each indexed movement ofthe carriage along the aforementioned first travel path. Moreover, thesecond travel path is also defined and described as movement of thepolishing assembly in opposite directions along the length of thecarriage after successive indexed movement and positioning of thecarriage. As also noted, the opposite directional movement of thepolishing assembly along the length of the carriage is in a directionwhich is transverse to the movement of the carriage along the glasssheet.

Further by way of non-limiting example the carriage, with the polishingassembly mounted thereon, may move along the length or longitudinaldimension of the glass sheet in successive increments. Subsequent toeach indexed movement of the carriage, the polishing assembly willtravel along the length of the carriage and along the width of the glasssheet, transverse to the length thereof. As also indicated, the movementof the polishing assembly along the length of the carriage will occur inan opposite direction after each indexed or incremental movement of thecarriage.

The at least partially automated polishing procedure of the presentinvention is facilitated by the structural and operative details of thepolishing assembly. Accordingly, the polishing assembly includes theaforementioned second drive assembly or drive second motor facilitatingdriven travel of the polishing assembly along the length of thecarriage. In addition, the drive assembly of the present invention alsoincludes a third drive assembly or third drive motor which rotationallydrives a spindle, polishing head and pad secured to the polishing head.The pad may be impregnated with a cleaning or polishing compound, aswill also be explained.

Additional structural and operative features of the support assemblyinclude at least one preferred embodiment having a mobile construction.As such, the support assembly preferably in the form of a base and orhousing frame connected to and supporting the mounting assembly,carriage and polishing assembly. Further, the mobile construction of thesupport assembly may include a plurality of rollers, wheels or likemobile structures movable over a supporting surface, while beingstructured to support a remainder of the glass polishing assembly. As aresult, the support assembly which incorporates the mobile construction,adds an enhanced versatility of the glass polishing assembly, allowingit to be positioned relative to glass sheets or plates which may bepermanently installed, mounted or otherwise positioned.

In contrast, yet another embodiment of the support assembly may have asubstantially fixed construction wherein the operation thereof isintended to be maintained in a single work location rather than beingselectively moved to various locations in which the glass sheets areinstalled or otherwise fixedly positioned.

Moreover, the mounting assembly associated with one or more preferredembodiments of the support assembly may include a plurality of suctiondevices adjustably disposed on the corresponding support assembly so asto be secured to the glass sheet being processed in a secure reliableand stable manner. This embodiment of the mounting assembly alsoenhances the versatility specifically, but not exclusively, of thesupport assembly incorporated in the mobile construction. As such, themobile support assembly may be positioned in operative relation to aninstalled or fixedly disposed glass sheet. When the support assembly isso disposed, the plurality of suction devices may be arranged tosecurely engage and connect the glass sheet to the polishing assemblyand maintain the polishing assembly in the aforementioned operativeposition, relative to the glass sheet being processed. As such, when theglass sheet being processed is permanently or fixedly installed in anintended location, the plurality of suction devices serve to effectivelysupport, connect, mount, etc. a remainder of the support assembly,polishing assembly, etc. on or relative to the glass sheet. Accordingly,the “operative position” may be further defined by such a supporting,interconnecting relation of the polishing assembly relative to the fixedor installed glass sheet.

However, the mounting assembly may also be in the form of a fixed,mounting frame which may be better adapted for use with the fixedsupport assembly. As such, the mounting frame may be dimensioned andconfigured to have a lattice-type configuration including the variouscomponents thereof disposed in supporting relation to the glass sheet.As such the glass sheet will be maintained in the aforementionedoperative position.

Yet additional structural and operative features of one or morepreferred embodiments of the glass polishing assembly of the presentinvention includes the provision of a control assembly. The controlassembly may comprise a microcontroller operatively associated withplurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors are collectively disposedand structured to regulate operational characteristics of at least thepolishing assembly. Such operating characteristics may include, but notbe limited to; RPM of the polishing head of the polishing assembly;pressure of the polishing head on the exposed surface of the glass sheetand rate of travel of the polishing assembly along the second travelpath or length of the carriage.

Moreover, such operating characteristics may also include a temperatureof the surface of the glass sheet being processed. The plurality ofsensors operative to determine and regulate the aforementioned operativecharacteristics may also be cooperatively associated with one or morelimit switches. The limit switches, in cooperation with the sensorsand/or independently thereof serve to efficiently control the polishingassembly as it moves along both the continuous path of travel and theaforementioned feathering pattern, the latter during spot polishing ofpredetermined zones the glass sheet.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detaileddescription are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the glasspolishing assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention operatively similar but structurally distinguishable from theembodiment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the polishing assembly of theembodiment of FIGS. 1-2 .

FIG. 3B is a front view of the polishing assembly of the embodiment ofFIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a side view of the polishing assembly of the embodiment ofFIGS. 3A-3B.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a continuous path of traveland/or indexing of a polishing assembly, of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3over an exposed surface of a glass sheet during a polishing procedure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a path of travel and/or indexingof a polishing assembly, of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 , over apredetermined portion of an exposed surface of a glass sheet, during a“spot” polishing procedure.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As represented in the accompanying Figures, the present invention isdirected to a glass polishing assembly generally indicated as 10 and 10′for the processing, including the cleaning, grinding, polishing, etc. ofcomparatively large glass plates or sheets. The embodiment of FIG. 1 isdistinguishable from that of the embodiment of FIG. 2 by virtue of anintegrated, incorporated mobile construction.

In more specific terms and with primary reference to the polishingassembly 10 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 , a support assembly generallyindicated as 12 includes a base or housing frame composed of a number ofinterconnected beam sections, as represented. The aforementioned mobileconstruction is at least partially defined by one or more sets ofrollers, wheels, etc. generally indicated as 14. In addition, each ofthe one or more sets of rollers, wheels, etc. 14 includes an adjustmentstructure generally indicated as 16 which allows the height or verticalpositioning of the support assembly 12 relative to the supportingsurface on which the rollers 14 are disposed. Accordingly, the supportassembly 12 may be selectively disposed in operative communication witha glass sheet 100 or plate which is permanently and/or fixedly installedor otherwise positioned. Enhanced versatility is thereby provided theglass assembly 10 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

The glass polishing assembly 10 also includes a mounting assembly,generally indicated as 18 including a plurality of suction devices 20connected to correspondingly disposed beam sections 22 of the base frameof the support assembly 12. Each of the corresponding beam sections 22may be adjustable along support beams 23 and 25. In addition, thedisposition and spacing of the plurality of suction devices 20 relativeto one another, along corresponding beam sections 22, may also beselectively established by virtue of corresponding adjustment facilities20′. Such adjustment capabilities serve to selectively dispose theplurality of suction devices 20 in an appropriate interconnectedengagement with a glass sheet 100 being processed. In turn, an operativeposition is established between the glass sheet 100 and the polishingassembly 10. Due to the fact that the glass sheet 100, may be fixedlyinstalled or otherwise permanently located, the “operative position” ismeant to include the positioning of the remainder of the polishingassembly 10 relative to a fixed or permanently installed glass sheet,rather than a supporting of the glass sheet on the polishing assembly10.

Therefore, as should be apparent, the versatility of the glass polishingassembly 10 is thereby significantly enhanced due to the ability of theplurality of suction devices 20 to engage and be connected to a glasssheet 100 at different portions thereon. Therefore, the mountingassembly 18, enables the glass polishing assembly 10 to process glasssheets or plates of different sizes, wherein the glass sheets may belocated or fixedly installed in different locations, positions, etc.

Each of the preferred embodiments of the glass polishing assembly 10 and10′ also include a polishing assembly generally indicated as 30.Structural and operative features of the polishing assembly 30 will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter with primary reference to FIG.3A-3B. The polishing assembly 30 is mounted on a carriage 32 preferablyhaving an elongated configuration, as represented. As also explained ingreater detail hereinafter, the carriage 32 is movable along a firsttravel path, schematically represented by directional arrows 34 alongone dimension of the glass sheet 100 when connected to the supportassembly 12 by the mounting assembly 18 in the aforementioned operativeposition. In cooperation therewith, the polishing assembly 30 is movablealong the length of the carriage 32 in a second travel pathschematically represented by directional arrows 35.

As clearly noted, the carriage 32 is movable along the length of thesupport assembly 12 and the first travel path 34 in a first direction,which is transverse to the direction of travel of the polishing assembly30 along the length of the carriage 32 and second travel path 35.Therefore, an entirety or at least a majority of the surface beingprocessed will be covered by the polishing assembly 30, wherein thefirst and second travel paths 34 and 35 collectively define a continuouspath of travel of the polishing assembly over the surface of the glasssheet 100 being processed. Specific segments of the continuous path oftravel are schematically represented in FIG. 4 , to be described ingreater detail hereinafter.

In order to accomplish intended, predetermined and at least partiallyautomated travel of the polishing assembly 30 along the continuous pathof travel and in cooperation with the movement of the carriage 32, theglass polishing assembly 10 and 10′ both include a drive assembly. Thedrive assembly includes a first drive assembly and or first drive motor36 operatively associated with a plurality of drive components generallyindicated as 36′. The first drive assembly 36 is disposed and structuredto facilitate movement of the carriage 32 along the first travel path 34in the direction schematically indicated. In addition, the driveassembly also includes at least a second drive assembly generallyindicated as 38 associated with a plurality of correspondingly disposeddrive components. The second drive assembly 38 is disposed andstructured to move the polishing assembly 30 along the length of thecarriage 32 in accord with the second travel path 35. The drive assemblyalso includes at least a third drive assembly and or drive motor 40serving to rotationally operate a spindle 41 of the polishing head 42 ofthe polishing assembly 30 as the polishing head/polishing padrotationally engage the surface of the glass sheet 100 or plate beingprocessed.

With primary reference to FIG. 2 , the embodiment of the glass polishingassembly 10′ is operationally equivalent, in most aspects, to that ofthe glass polishing assembly 10 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 . However,distinguishing structural features include the support assembly 12′being substantially fixed, in the sense that it is located in apermanent or semi-permanent work area and is operable on glass sheets orplates which are brought to and secured on the glass polishing assembly10′. Also, the mounting assembly 18′ is generally in the form of amounting frame disposed and structured to engage an undersurface of theglass sheet 100 or plate being processed. The mounting frame 18′ mayhave a lattice-type configuration which is dimensioned to extend over atleast a majority and/or an entirety of the undersurface of the glasssheet 100. As such the glass sheet 100 being processed is disposed,supported and maintained in a predetermined or preferred operativeposition. The “operative position” of the glass sheet 100, whether usedin association with the glass polishing assembly 10 or 10′ may be atleast generally defined by a cooperative, relative disposition ofpolishing assembly 30 and the glass sheet 100, so as to efficientlyenable the polishing assembly 10, 10′ to perform the intended polishingprocedures on at least one exposed surface of the glass sheet 100.

Other features of the glass polishing assembly 10′ may be substantiallyequivalent to that of the glass polishing assembly 10, including apolishing assembly 30 structured to move along the length of thecarriage 32. Further, the carriage 32 is structured to move along thelength of a supporting, corresponding beam section 25 of the supportassembly 12′. Moreover, the glass polishing assembly 10′ also includesthe aforementioned first drive assembly 36, second drive assembly 38 andthird drive assembly 40, the latter operatively associated with thepolishing assembly 30. Similarly, the first, second and third driveassemblies may each be in the form of drive motors operativelyequivalent to the drive assembly, as described with reference to theembodiment of FIG. 1 .

As set forth above, the aforementioned “continuous path of travel” ofthe polishing assembly 30 is at least partially defined by the firsttravel path 34 and the second travel path 35. With reference to FIG. 4 ,the direction of rotation of the pad 42 of the polishing assembly 30 isschematically represented as 142. In cooperation therewith the indexed,incremental, successive movement of the carriage 32, with the polishingassembly 30 mounted thereon, is schematically represented as at 134,134′, 134″, etc. along the aforementioned first travel path 34, as setforth in the description of FIG. 1 . In more specific terms, thecarriage 32 and polishing assembly 30 will concurrently move insuccessive, incremental “steps” 134, 134′ and 134″ along one direction(Y-axis) of the glass sheet 100 being processed. Such indexed,incremental steps are schematically represented as 134, 134′ and 134″,etc. After each incremental step has been accomplished, the carriage 32will stop for a predetermined length of time sufficient to allow thepolishing assembly to travel in opposite directions as at 150, 150′ and150″, etc. along the length of the carriage 32. As previously indicated,the successive, incremental, indexed movement 134, 134′ and 134″ occursin a direction which is transverse to the continuous, movement 150, 150′and 150″ of the polishing assembly 30 (X-axis) as it continues to rotate142, in engagement with the glass sheet 100 being processed.

Yet another feature associated with the drive assembly is represented inFIGS. 3A-3C and includes a lift assembly generally indicated as 160.More specifically, when the polishing assembly 30 reaches the end 151 ofits reciprocal travel 150, 150′ 150″ it will raise or lift up, at leasta minimal amount, to clear the pad 42 from rotational engagement withthe surface of the glass sheet 100 being processed. During this raisedor lifted orientation, the pad 42 will continue to rotate therebyautomatically serving to clean itself of powder/polish and other debriscollected during a previous pass 150, 150′, 150″ etc. during thepolishing procedure. The amount or degree of “lift” may be minimal andneed only be sufficient to remove the rotating pad 42 from engagementwith the surface of the glass sheet 100 being processed. Again, withreference to FIG. 3A, a limit switch, as at 154, may be part of acontrol assembly and be directly associated with the lift mechanism orassembly 160. The limit switch, in cooperation with the lift assembly160, serves to determine and regulate the lifting of the pad 42 off theglass sheet 100, in what may be accurately described as lifting movementof the pad 42 along a “Z-axis”. The “Z-axis” is meant to distinguish thedirection of the lifting movement of the polishing assembly 30 relativeto the X-axis and Y-axis schematically referring to and representingrespective travel of the carriage 32 along the length of the supportassembly 12 and/or 12′ and relative to the travel of the polishingassembly 30 along the length of the carriage 32.

Further by way of example, the first travel path 34 comprises thepreferably elongated carriage 32, as well as the polishing assembly 30mounted thereon, being successively and incrementally indexed, as at134, 134′ and 134″, in one direction, such as a long a width or lengthof the glass sheet 100. In cooperation therewith, the aforementionedsecond travel path 35 comprises a substantially continuous movement ofthe polishing assembly 30 along the length of the carriage 32, as at150, 150′ and 150″, subsequent to each indexed movement of the carriage32 along the aforementioned first travel path 34. Moreover, the secondtravel path 35 is also defined and described as movement of thepolishing assembly in opposite directions, as clearly represented inFIG. 4 , along the length of the carriage 32 after successive indexedmovements 134, 134′ in 134″ of the carriage 32. As also noted in FIGS. 1and 4 , the opposite directional movement of the polishing assemblyalong the length of the carriage 32 is in a direction which istransverse to the movement of the carriage 32 along the glass sheet 100being processed.

Yet additional structural and operative features of one or morepreferred embodiments of the glass polishing assembly 10 and 10′ of thepresent invention includes the provision of a control assembly. Thecontrol assembly may comprise a microcontroller operatively associatedwith plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors are collectivelydisposed and structured to regulate operational characteristics of atleast the polishing assembly 30. Such operating characteristics mayinclude, but not be limited to; RPM of the polishing head 42 of thepolishing assembly 30; pressure of the polishing head 42 on the exposedsurface of the glass sheet 100 and rate of travel of the polishingassembly 30 along the second travel path or length of the carriage 32.

With primary reference to FIG. 3A-3C, the aforementioned controlassembly and/or microcontroller are operative with and at leastpartially defined by the aforementioned plurality of sensors. Theplurality of sensors may include a force or pressure sensor 170 directlyassociated with the second drive motor 40 and or lift assembly 160,thereby being determinative of the pressure or force the polishing head42 exerts on the surface of the glass sheet 100 being processed. Inaddition, one or more of the aforementioned plurality of sensors may bedirectly associated with RPM of the rotational, spindle motor 40 and maybe in the form of one or more Hall effect sensors as at 178.

Moreover, such operating characteristics may also include a temperatureof the surface of the glass sheet 100 being processed. As such, one ormore temperature sensors may be directly incorporated in the pad 42, asat 180, of the polishing assembly 30. As indicated, the plurality ofsensors may be operative to determine and regulate the aforementionedoperative characteristics and may also be cooperatively associated withone or more limit switches. The limit switches may include one or morelimit switches such as, but not limited to, the limit switch 154associated with raised or lifted movement of the polishing head 42 inthe “Z-axis”, as set forth above. The limit switches, as at 154, incooperation with the sensors and/or independently thereof serve toefficiently control the polishing assembly 30 as it moves along both thecontinuous path of travel and the aforementioned feathering pattern, thelatter during spot polishing of predetermined zones the glass sheet 100.

As represented in FIG. 5 , the glass polishing assembly 10, 10′ iscapable of “spot polishing” and in doing so the polishing assembly 10,10′ may be automatically regulated to pass through a “featheringpattern”. As such the various steps 1-5 are schematically represented inperforming a localized or “spot polishing” in a designated zone 200. Thedesignated zone 200, by way of example only, may be defined by the lowerleft location of the glass sheet 100 and/or the upper right location ofthe glass sheet 100 and other locations thereon, as needed. Such zonesor locations are determined and established by the operator settingmovement of the machine/polishing assembly 30 and setting the intendedor predetermined zone points.

As also represented in FIG. 5 , the carriage 32 and polishing assembly30 will move over the zone 200 in the same continuous indexing patternincluding the substantially continuous path of travel over the zone 200as represented in FIG. 4 . More specifically and as described in FIG. 4, the carriage 32 will move in successive, incremental “steps” 134, 134′and 134″ along one direction (Y-axis) of the zone 200 of the glass sheet100. Moreover, after each incremental step of the carriage 32 has beenaccomplished, the carriage 32 will stop for a predetermined length oftime sufficient to allow the polishing assembly 30 to travel in oppositedirections as at 150, 150′ and 150″, etc. along the length of thecarriage 32, in the direction of the X-axis.

In addition, the above noted continuous path of travel will be performedin a multi-step process, as schematically represented in FIG. 5 . Instep 1 and step 5, a cleaning cycle of the zone 200 is accomplished.Step 2 defines a “heavy step” including an inward movement of generallyabout 1.5 inches of the polishing assembly 30, where a “heavy step”procedure is performed. Subsequently, the polishing assembly moves ½inchoutward to perform a “medium step” defining a step 3. A “fine step”procedure defines step 4, wherein the polishing assembly 30 moves ½ inchoutward from step 3.

Further by way of non-limiting example, the cleaning procedure may beaccomplished using a felt pad with appropriate compound impregnatedtherein. During such cleaning step or stages the RPM may vary between1100 to 1500, with a preferred RPM of 1300; the pressure applied by thepad 42 to the glass sheet 100 may range from 8 to 12 pounds, with apreferred pressure of 10 pounds; a feed rate of the polishing assemblyalong the carriage may range from 250 to 300 ft./min, with a preferredrate of 275 feet per minute. Further temperature changes may be from +20to +30° F. with a preferred temperature change of +25° F. The above maybe accomplished during the “heavy stage” as set forth above.

The operative characteristics during the “medium stage” may involve aRPM between 900 and 1300, with a preferred RPM of 1100; a pressure of 20to 30 pounds, with a preferred pressure of 25 pounds; a feed rate of 40to 60 ft./min with a preferred feed rate of 50 ft./min and a temperaturerange of +20 to +50° F., with a preferred temperature range of +30° F.During the “fine stage” procedure, as set forth above the RPM may varybetween 900 to 1300, with a preferred RPM of 1000; a pressure range ofbetween 20-40 pounds, with a preferred pressure of 25 pounds; a feedrate of 42 60 ft./min with a preferred feed rate of 50 ft./min and apreferred temperature range of +20 to +55° F., with a preferredtemperature of +35° F. Distinguishing features between the heavy, mediumand fine stages of cleaning may include and 80 grit, 180 grit and 500grit respectively of the pad associated with the polishing head 42.

Thereafter the aforementioned polishing stage may be accomplished withthe felt pad with appropriate polishing compound wherein the operatingcharacteristics include an RPM of 600 to 1000, with a preferred RPM of800; a pressure of 10 to 20 pounds, with a preferred pressure of 15pounds; a feed rate of 40 to 60 ft./min, with a preferred the rate of 50ft./min and a preferred temperature range of +20 to +75° F. plus apreferred temperature range of +40° F.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An assembly structured to polish a glasssheet, said assembly comprising: a support assembly, said supportassembly being movable relative to an underlying supporting surface soas to accommodate variable positioning of the glass sheet; a mountingassembly connected to said support assembly and structured to connectthe glass sheet and said support assembly in an operative position, apolishing assembly disposed and structured to movably engage the glasssheet when in said operative position, a carriage movably connected tosaid support assembly; said polishing assembly movably mounted on saidcarriage, a drive assembly comprising a first drive motor and a seconddrive motor, said first drive motor disposed and structured toconcurrently move said carriage and said polishing assembly relative tosaid support assembly in incremental, successive steps, along said firsttravel path; said second drive motor disposed and structured toreciprocally move said polishing assembly relative to said carriage,along said second travel path; said first and second drive motorsconcurrently operative to define a continuous indexing of said polishingassembly along a substantially continuous path of travel over and inengagement with at least a majority of the glass sheet, a controlassembly including a plurality of sensors, said plurality of sensorscollectively disposed and structured to regulate operationalcharacteristics of at least said polishing assembly, and said operatingcharacteristics comprising at least one of: RPM of said polishingassembly; pressure of said polishing assembly on the glass sheet; rateof travel of said polishing assembly along said carriage.
 2. Theassembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a third drive motordisposed and structured to position said polishing assembly intorotational engagement with the glass sheet.
 3. The assembly as recitedin claim 2 further comprising a cooperative disposition of at least saidsecond and third drive motors to define said movement of said polishingassembly along said second travel path concurrent to said rotationalengagement of said polishing assembly with the glass sheet.
 4. Theassembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said mounting assembly comprisesa mounting frame dimensioned and configured to supportingly engage anundersurface of the glass sheet when in said operative position.
 5. Theassembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said mounting assembly comprisesa plurality of suction devices disposed on said support assembly inspaced relation to one another.
 6. The assembly as recited in claim 5wherein said plurality of suction devices are collectively disposed inremovable engagement with the glass sheet when in said operativeposition.
 7. The assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said mountingassembly comprises a plurality of suction devices disposed on saidsupport assembly in spaced relation to one another; said plurality ofsuction devices collectively disposed in removable engagement with theglass sheet when in said operative position.
 8. The assembly as recitedin claim 1 wherein said operating characteristics further comprisetemperature of the glass sheet during a polishing procedure.
 9. Theassembly as recited in claim 1 wherein at least two of said plurality ofsensors are mounted on said polishing assembly in operative connectionwith said second drive motor.
 10. The assembly as recited in claim 1further comprising a limit switch assembly operative to regulatemovement of said polishing assembly along said carriage.
 11. An assemblystructured to polish a glass sheet, said assembly comprising: a supportassembly, a mounting assembly connected to said support assembly andstructured to connect the glass sheet and said support assembly in anoperative position, a polishing assembly disposed and structured tomovably engage the glass sheet when in said operative position, acarriage movably connected to said support assembly; said polishingassembly movably mounted on said carriage, a drive assembly comprising afirst drive motor and a second drive motor, said first drive motordisposed and structured to concurrently move said carriage and saidpolishing assembly relative to said support assembly in incremental,successive steps, along said first travel path; said second drive motordisposed and structured to reciprocally move said polishing assemblyrelative to said carriage, along said second travel path; said first andsecond drive motors concurrently operative to define a continuousindexing of said polishing assembly over and in engagement with theglass sheet; a control assembly including a plurality of sensors, saidplurality of sensors collectively disposed and structured to regulateoperational characteristics of at least said polishing assembly; andsaid operating characteristics comprising at least one of: RPM of saidpolishing assembly; pressure of said polishing assembly on the glasssheet; rate of travel of said polishing assembly along said carriage.